Ashton Kutcher’s ad bosses respond to racism allegations

Bosses of the chip company behind Ashton Kutcher’s new ad have defended the actor after his impersonations of several ethnicities sparked an online backlash.

The actor appears in a new promo for PopChips and he transforms into a number of outrageous and eligible bachelors looking for love on a fake dating website, including dreadlocked Brit Nigel, Bollywood producer Raj and tattooed Southerner Swordfish.

The commercial caused controversy online, with many viewers accusing Kutcher and the ad’s creators of racism.

However, PopChip bosses have now hit back at the accusations, insisting the impersonations were all done in jest and never meant to be perceived as offensive.

A statement from the company reads, “The new Popchips worldwide dating video and ad campaign featuring four characters was created to provoke a few laughs and was never intended to stereotype or offend anyone.

“At Popchips we embrace all types of shapes, flavors and colors, and appreciate all snackers, no matter their race or ethnicity. We hope people can enjoy this in the spirit it was intended.”

The Raj clip was removed from YouTube and Facebook, though the character is still part of the compilation video.